Routine Business

Prayers.

[10:05 a.m.]

Statements

B.C. AGRICULTURE DAY

Hon. L. Popham: It is my pleasure to say that today is B.C. Agriculture Day in the Legislature. We have more farmers roaming the halls than we normally do. I am so proud of everybody who partakes in the agriculture sector. We are having meetings all day today. I’ve already talked about grain, I’ve talked about eggs, and I’ve talked about chicken. I look forward to more great conversations.

I know that members from both sides of this chamber support our agriculture sector. We come from communities that depend on that as economic drivers, and I look forward to making sure we do even more with agriculture over the next four years.

Introductions by Members

T. Shypitka: Two introductions in two weeks for my riding of Kootenay East is truly an honour. Today I would like to bring to the attention of the House a friend and co-worker of mine when I was a financial adviser.

Kori is a founding member and first chair of the Cranbrook Pride Society, starting in 2013, which has steadily grown under his leadership. Kori has served several terms as a director for the AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society, which lately is at the forefront of trying to deal with the fentanyl and carfentanyl crisis in the Kootenay region. Kori is proud of the LGBT2QIA+ community he represents and is recognized for his work in supporting the community and youth in Cranbrook.

Will the House please welcome my friend and former colleague Kori Lancaster.

C. Oakes: I am truly delighted today to introduce to this House a member from the Cariboo. Lynda Atkinson is here today with the agricultural group. She also is a participant and sits on the Horse Council of B.C.

Lynda is a tireless champion for agriculture in the Cariboo. She has been bringing forward extremely strong support and ideas following the wildfire season that we’ve had and working towards an agricultural centre of excellence for the north Cariboo. I should also say that Lynda and her husband, Bill, were both my teacher and counsellor in high school. It’s always nice to come from a rural community where there’s so much incredible support.

Would the House please make Lynda very welcome.

S. Furstenau: I’m delighted to introduce Mark Edwardson, who’s in the gallery today. He’s a student at Mount Douglas Secondary School. He has been advocating for seeing 16-year-olds vote in the upcoming referendum next year. I’m delighted to see a student who is so engaged and informed on politics in our province and in our country. I would like the House to make him feel welcome.

T. Redies: Today in the House, we have two groups of grade 6 students visiting from École Laronde, a school in my riding that is very well known for its French immersion program. I’d just like the House to join me in welcoming the students and the teachers and their parents to the House today.

J. Johal: I want to introduce Sunil Suvarna to the House today. Sunil was a volunteer on my election campaign, and like many volunteers, they’re out knocking on doors through the rain and snow and sunshine occasionally. I ask members to please welcome Sunil to the House.

[10:10 a.m.]

Ministerial Statements

JOHN DAVIDSON

Hon. M. Farnworth: I rise today to make a ministerial statement. I know notice has been given to my colleagues in the official opposition and the Third Party.

Yesterday was one of those days that every police officer and government official in this province dreads, when you hear that a police officer is killed in the line of duty, an officer whose oath was to serve and protect those in his or her community and who died in pursuit of that mission.

Today we mourn the loss of one of our own, Const. John Davidson, an officer who served his community with distinction for over ten years. John Davidson worked as a police officer for 24 years. He began his law enforcement career in the U.K., working for the Northumbria police from 1993 to 2005. In March 2005, he was hired by the Abbotsford police department. He worked on patrol, youth squad and traffic sections. Recently he completed the Tour de Valley Cops for Cancer ride. John was a dedicated police officer who devoted so much of his time to connecting with the community and helping kids.

Today our hearts go out to the officer’s family and his colleagues in the Abbotsford police department, police officers across this province and across this country, our colleagues in this House who are themselves former peace officers and, of course, every person whose life has been touched by this loss.

Those whom we’ve lost in the line of duty sacrificed their lives for a purpose much greater than themselves. They embody what it means to be a hero. We owe a debt of gratitude to every officer that is brave enough to wear the badge.

On behalf of the province of British Columbia, we sincerely thank all of our women and men of law enforcement for their unwavering commitment to our safety and protection. As British Columbians, we are filled with grief at this tragic loss and give gratitude to those who put their lives on the line for all of us. Our thoughts today are with the family, the friends and the colleagues of Constable Davidson at this very difficult time.

R. Coleman: Yesterday, November 6, the community of Abbotsford lost Const. John Davidson in the line of duty. There’s a family that needs our prayers. There’s a police force that needs our support and the community of Abbotsford that needs our love.

Being a police officer is a special calling. A person unselfishly gives of themselves to protect our community. When one is lost, we all hurt and care. Words cannot explain how we feel today or how I feel today…. Sorry. Last night I sat in quiet reflection. Emotions flowed through me as I remembered others that have been lost, and I was saddened that another was gone.

Wherever you are today, if you see a police officer, thank them. The entire police community is hurting today. The Abbotsford police force is a remarkable team who are in shock, who are at work doing the work in their community to protect the community today. They’re hurting, but they’re out there caring for the city that they love and secure.

The family of the fallen officer needs our support and prayers. Their loved one went to work yesterday and planned to come home. He did not. This is such a tragedy. Our prayers are with them in their time of grief, loss and pain.

Words cannot heal, explain or communicate how British Columbians feel today or what they would like to tell the family of the fallen and the members of the police community. Just know that we care. We support you, we love you, and you’re in our prayers.

[10:15 a.m.]

A. Weaver: I rise to join the Government House Leader and the Leader of the Official Opposition in expressing our most sincere condolences to the loved ones of Const. John Davidson, the police officer who tragically lost his life yesterday. We stand with the community of Abbotsford while they mourn his terrible loss.

Police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. We must never forget the risks our police officers and first responders face, nor the sacrifices they are called on to make in the line of duty. Police officers are the heroes of our communities. They work tirelessly every day to respond to multiple crises and emergencies that, many times, each constitute the worst days of a citizen’s life. We can honour them by ensuring that they have the support they need to do their vital work in keeping us safe.

As we remember the bravery, honour and dedication of our first responders, we remember what makes this country great — our generosity, strong sense of community and willingness to look out for one another. Let us all strive to do all we can to support our communities so that they can be safe for our families and for all citizens of this province.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I’d also like to inform the House at this time that they’re invited to attend the lowering of the flag to half-mast, which will take place at 12 noon.

Statements
(Standing Order 25B)

AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS

I. Paton: Today is Agriculture Day in British Columbia. In 1978, the late American radio broadcaster Paul Harvey delivered a moving speech to the Future Farmers of America. He said:

“On the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise, and he said: ‘I need a caretaker. I need someone willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper, and then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board.’ So God made a farmer.

“‘And somebody to seed, weed, feed, breed, rake and disc, plow and plant, and tie the fleece and strain the milk and replenish the self-feeders and finish a hard week’s work with a five-mile drive to church.’ So God made a farmer.”

The speech goes on to list the never-ending duties faced by the never-resting farmer.

Farmers every day wear many hats in this province. They need to be many things. They need to be mechanics, veterinarians, engineers, environmentalists, salesmen, bookkeepers and architects. Under the wing of my dad and my grandfather, I learned the trade, and I became a third-generation dairy farmer. Our family was just one contributor to B.C.’s diverse agriculture industry, which includes so many products, such as dairy, beef, tree fruits, berries, vineyards, greenhouses, vegetables, eggs, poultry and seafood.

Farmers, ranchers and processors across our province use creativity every day to solve problems, improve efficiency and contribute to our economy. Last year in B.C. we celebrated $14 billion in agriculture revenues and $3.8 billion in agriculture exports. They are supported by the B.C. Agricultural Council, who are here today, whose vision is to grow B.C. into the most dynamic and robust agriculture province in Canada. On this B.C. Ag Day, I’d say they’re doing a wonderful job.

So let’s thank them and the hard-working men and women who get up early and rarely stop to rest, all in the name of providing high-quality products to households in B.C. and beyond.

SALISH SEA EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS EXERCISE

J. Rice: Mayday, mayday, mayday — words we hope to never hear out on the waters of the B.C. coast. A ferry on fire, mass casualties, fatalities, environmental spills and impacts to waterways. Other than a real-life event, an exercise practising what to do in this scenario offers the highest degree of realism to test our preparedness capabilities.

Exercise Salish Sea provided exactly this test opportunity. Conducted two weeks ago, this full-scale exercise, which included the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Coast Guard, B.C. Ferries, emergency management B.C. and other ministries, provided an opportunity to test our operational readiness to respond to a major maritime disaster.

There were nearly 500 participants at this two-day exercise, including volunteer role players and First Nations from coastal communities. EMBC worked extensively with the Canadian Coast Guard, establishing new lines of communication and coordination. B.C. emergency health services used this as one of its most comprehensive mass casualty exercises in recent years. The Vancouver Island Health Authority was able to exercise a number of code-orange training events.

[10:20 a.m.]

A big shout-out to the staff at EMBC for their major role in this event and for the major tasks that they manage. I also want to recognize the 200 people who took part in the mass casualty portion of the exercise, where they surged all three hospitals on lower Vancouver Island with patients from the disaster. I want to thank Salt Spring Island fire-rescue, Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue, Salt Spring Island Emergency Social Services and the 57 volunteers who acted as evacuees. Numerous others should also be recognized.

Feedback from post–Exercise Salish Sea has been very positive, leaving a legacy of enhanced preparedness for communities in the event of a real major maritime emergency. Thank you for your commitment in making us better prepared and for making a better B.C.

FRANCHISE BUSINESSES

C. Oakes: The small business sector in British Columbia forms the backbone of our provincial economy. Ninety percent of businesses in British Columbia are small businesses and employ over one million people in our province.

Franchises play a large role in British Columbia. Many of us shop regularly at one without thinking about the fact that they are locally owned and locally operated. While many people think of franchising as limited to fast-food businesses that operate using the franchise business model, it can be found in all sectors and industries — automotive, travel, senior care, education and health and fitness, just to name a few.

Franchising is an attractive and powerful way for Canadians to achieve success as small business owners through the proven business concept and support provided by the franchisor. Franchisees are able to be in business for themselves but with the support and assistance of the franchisor.

In 2015, the B.C. Liberal government introduced the first-ever legislation aimed at making investment in British Columbia easier. It was also designed to protect British Columbians who are buying into franchised businesses. In February of this year, the new rules came into force and are consistent with other provinces. Offering uniform legislation provides a higher degree of certainty and protection to both franchisors and franchisees. By cutting red tape and bringing our regulation in line with other provinces, we are continuing to encourage investment in franchises and driving economic growth in British Columbia.

Today is Franchise Day in British Columbia, and many franchise owners will be visiting with their MLAs here at the Legislature. These are people who give back to our communities in so many ways, and they deserve to be recognized for the incredible impact they have every day in our province.

BUSINESS AWARD RECIPIENTS
IN BURNABY

A. Kang: It brings me so much pride to recognize the innovation and the community spirit of Burnaby businesses and organizations and to congratulate the winners of this year’s Burnaby Board of Trade Business Excellence Awards, 2017. The annual awards recognize organizations and individuals across nine categories.

This year the Burnaby Community Spirit award recognized Lougheed Town Centre, which creates a sense of community with family-friendly activities throughout the year. Burnaby Board of Trade’s Business Excellence Awards this year also recognized Binnie, a civil engineering consulting firm, for its healthy workplace. We’re also proud that Burnaby businesses are environmental stewards. Interfor, one of the world’s largest lumber producers, received the Environmental Sustainability award for upholding the highest standards in sustainable woodlands and mill management.

Other award recipients include LMI Technologies, which received the Business Innovation award for providing accuracy measurements and data processing at unparalleled speed and accuracy; Fortius Sport and Health, which received the Entrepreneurial Spirit award for turning its 2013 vision into a world-class health facility; Burnaby Neighbourhood House, which received the Not-For-Profit Organization of the Year award for providing a wide range of programs and services that serve to build community. The Businesses of the Year this year are Cockney Kings Fish and Chips and Traction on Demand, North America’s largest sales force consulting and application development partner.

The Business Person of the Year is Peter Legge, from Canada Wide Media, which continues to be an independent voice of positive change. This year the Burnaby Board of Trade also inducted Milani Plumbing, Drainage and Heating into the Burnaby Business Hall of Fame.

Congratulations to all the recipients this year. We at the B.C. Legislature are very proud of you.

[10:25 a.m.]

COAST SALISH WELCOME POLE PROJECT
AT NORTH VANCOUVER SCHOOL DISTRICT

J. Thornthwaite: Last month I had the opportunity to visit the Gordon Smith Gallery, where, along with my legislative colleagues from the North Shore, I was invited to learn about and participate in the practice of carving a traditional Coast Salish welcoming pole.

Presented by the Squamish Nation in partnership with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, the welcoming pole is being carved from a 300-year-old cedar log that was sourced from the Elaho Valley. Once complete, this magnificent pole will stand outside of North Vancouver school district 44.

The carving of the pole is being led by North Vancouver artist Darren Yelton, who began his carving career under the watchful eye of his father at age 13. Now a renowned First Nations artist, Darren’s carving work is inspired by the stories and the myths of the west coast Salish community, and his refined contemporary style has made his work much sought-after by international collectors.

Under carver Darren’s expert guidance and watchful eye, we learned about the complete process involved in carving a welcome pole, from how an appropriately suited tree is selected to the meanings of the carvings that will soon adorn the pole. With the chainsaw work now almost complete, we were invited to take a hands-on attempt at carving the log using a traditional wood chisel all by ourselves.

Once complete, the welcome pole will greet all who visit the school district’s education service centre, located in Lonsdale, and will mark the entrance to Chílhiṅup, which means “high ground” — the name gifted to the school district by Squamish Nation elders in 2016.

I was profoundly impressed by this collaborative act of reconciliation, and I congratulate all of the partners and participants behind this project as well as the Coast Salish people, upon whose traditional territory the North Vancouver school district resides.

AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS

B. D’Eith: I rise today to recognize a very important industry and very important community in our province. Today our government is celebrating B.C. Agriculture Day, highlighting the jobs and economic benefits that the agriculture and seafood sector bring to our communities.

As well, it’s an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the daily tangible benefits that B.C. farmers and ranchers provide for us. Every morning when we put milk in our coffee — or I guess in my case, soy milk — we’re reminded of the efforts of B.C. farmers. When we slice up an award-winning apple for our children, we’re reminded of the efforts of B.C. farmers. When we purchase a bouquet of flowers for a friend or a loved one, we’re reminded of the efforts of B.C. farmers. Reminder to buy wife flowers.

Following this year’s terrible wildfire season that saw so many people in our province’s interior, including farmers and ranchers, displaced and drastically affected, we’re once again reminded of the efforts of our B.C. farmers.

We’re joined in today’s celebration of B.C. Agriculture Day by members of the B.C. Agriculture Council. The BCAC is the only provincewide general farm organization representing farmers and ranchers in British Columbia. They proudly serve nearly 30 commodity associations, many of them here in the chamber and the Legislature today. Welcome.

Here’s to B.C. Agriculture Day, a day to recognize how important our agriculture community is to us here in British Columbia. I wish to thank them for their continued contributions to communities throughout British Columbia.

Speaker’s Statement

PARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE
AND ROLE OF SPEAKER

Mr. Speaker: Members, before we begin question period, I have a statement to make. I will generally read this statement to ensure the exactness of what I need to say.

Yesterday during question period, the member for Richmond-Queensborough was called to order after directing the question to the “minister of consultation paralysis.” Similar to an incident on October 25, the member was asked to rephrase his question in order to address the minister by their proper title.

At the conclusion of yesterday’s question period, the official opposition House Leader raised a point of order to note that members had in the past been guided by clear rules and conventions concerning disrespectful or offensive language. The official opposition House Leader claimed that the words used were not unparliamentary. He also noted that the Chair’s intervention requiring the withdrawal of language was inappropriate and suggested standards at play that members were unaware of and that were not in any way predictable.

[10:30 a.m.]

In speaking to the point of order, the Government House Leader noted that the language in debate should be guided by good temperance and not by impugning motives. The Government House Leader added that in asking a question, it was customary to address a minister of the Crown by their proper title.

The Third Party House Leader also briefly spoke to the point of order and noted that elected officials had a duty to show leadership and to demonstrate that a government can be held accountable without name-calling.

First, let me be clear. Unparliamentary language may be brought to the attention of the House by either the Speaker or on any point of order by any member. Points of order are not permitted during question period, and the Official Opposition House Leader followed the correct procedure to raise the matter immediately following that proceeding.

Standing Order 40(2) states: “No Member shall use offensive words against any Member of this House.” As Speaker, it is my responsibility under Standing Order 9 to maintain order in the chamber and to uphold standing orders, including Standing Order 40. When assessing the use of offensive, disrespectful or unparliamentary language, a Speaker must consider not only the words spoken but the context in which they are used and the resulting effect potentially creating disorder during the proceedings.

Numerous rulings and parliamentary authorities affirm that unparliamentary language is not defined in an exhaustive or finite manner. A Speaker must exercise discretion and consider the context in which language is used in debate when deciding when to intervene. See Erskine May, Parliamentary Practice, 24th edition, page 445, and Beauchesne’s Parliamentary Rules and Forms, sixth edition, page 143.

Parliamentary Practice in British Columbia, fourth edition, page 99, further states that “the codification of unparliamentary language is impractical, as the Speaker must consider the context in which the words were spoken, including whether or not the remarks created disorder in the House.” Therefore, the particular circumstances of language are not necessarily readily predictable and must always be considered in the context of order in the House and the dignity of proceedings.

During question period members address questions to specific ministers of the Crown. A question should be directed to the minister officially responsible for the subject matter. See Parliamentary Practice in British Columbia, fourth edition, page 135. The appropriate way to refer to a minister is by their proper title or portfolio, and references to a private member are their constituency name. That has been the long-standing practice in this House and one I intend to follow.

In reviewing the events surrounding the point of order, I conclude that unofficial and, at times, mocking or derogatory titles when directing a question to a minister of the Crown are indeed disrespectful to the minister and reflect poorly on this institution.

Circumstances related to this point of order also raised serious concerns that must be addressed regarding the authority of the Chair. First and foremost, it is the duty of the Speaker to preside over debates in this House and to intervene as necessary to maintain order and decorum, especially in instances where words used in debate are likely to disrupt proceedings or cause disorder, such as during question period. As such, I want to keep any interventions during this important proceeding to a minimum.

[10:35 a.m.]

However, it is always in order for the Speaker or Chair to intervene when required. The Chair’s intervention during yesterday’s question period was called into question. Challenges to the authority of the Speaker are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the future.

Thank you.

Oral Questions

HARVESTING OF TIMBER IN
AREAS IMPACTED BY WILDFIRES

D. Barnett: The Forests Minister was asked a question last week about fibre supply in the Interior. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a very useful response.

His words haven’t translated into any action, and action is desperately needed — massive wildfires, the softwood lumber dispute, pine beetle and now a fire at the Lakeview mill. People in my riding are scared that they won’t have jobs to go to. The minister is saying they’re on it, but nothing is showing for it on the ground.

To the Minister of Forests, what concrete actions has he taken to address the fire-damaged fibre issue in the Cariboo and the Fraser-Nicola regions? When will he get on with issuing permits for licensees so that people can have some certainty?

Hon. D. Donaldson: First, I’d like to address a part of the question from the member and extend everybody’s heartfelt sympathies with those workers who have been displaced by the fire in Tolko’s Lakeview mill in Williams Lake. It’s unbelievable how much resilience the people of Williams Lake are having to exhibit after the fires this season and now a fire in one of their major sawmills in that community.

We’re working with the community. I’ve been in touch with the mayor, I’ve been in touch with the MLA, I’ve been in touch with the steelworkers, and I’ve been in touch with the company to see how we can help with that situation as it unfolds. There’s not a full scenario of the information and the damage at this point, but we’re on top of it. We’re going to make sure that resources are there for the community and for the workers.

As far as the flow of logs from the fire-damaged region to mills in the Interior, logs from fireguards that were put in to help with the control of the fires and from private lands and woodlots have already been flowing to mills. Cutting permits have been expedited. The draft mule deer winter range exemptions have been circulated amongst First Nations and communities and industry in order to expedite the harvesting in those areas. Existing licences have been used for salvage operations. And fair stumpage rates have been established with the companies to expedite log flow.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Cariboo-Chilcotin on a supplementary.

D. Barnett: This is news to me. As of yesterday, my information from my community was not that. You can say he’s working on it, but these words ring hollow without actions, and we have seen none.

Mills need fibre to stay running. People in my communities and throughout the Interior rely on these mills to feed their families.

Now, I’m sure the minister has talked to the chief forester and officials in his ministry and asked for analysis of just how much his dithering is costing. It is not giving us security. It is not making our communities feel safe and strong. Without permits as fast as we can get them…. And I know they have not been issued.

Can this minister tell this House exactly what is the value of timber lost because of his refusal to issue cutting permits and the damage that is being done to my communities?

Hon. D. Donaldson: Well, I just listed a number of actions to the member. Perhaps she didn’t hear.

Fireguards that were put in to control the fires. Wood from those areas have been flowing to mills already. Cutting permits have been expedited. We’ve provided funding for recovery managers to communities in Williams Lake, in Quesnel, in 100 Mile House, in the Cariboo Regional District and to the Ashcroft Indian Band.

[10:40 a.m.]

We’re on top of it. The chief forester is doing an analysis as we speak, and we’re working with the communities from the ground up to provide solutions so that workers are protected and so that the fibre flows and is useful before it degrades in the forest.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Cariboo-Chilcotin on a second supplemental.

D. Barnett: Minister, how many permits have been signed? How many permits have been issued? When? And what is the value of those permits?

Hon. D. Donaldson: What people need now in the Cariboo is positive leadership so that they’re not facing the negativity that this member always exhibits in this Legislature.

Tourism. We’ve invested $1.6 million in tourism for fire-affected areas, including $500,000, from Destination B.C., in the Interior.

We’re working within existing licences to get salvage logs to the mills. The mills are running right now, and we’re in close touch to make sure that that fibre supply continues to be ensured so that jobs into the future are protected.

J. Rustad: I’d like to just point out that the member for Cariboo-Chilcotin can provide more — has provided more — leadership in her riding in the Cariboo than anybody from that side of the House has themselves.

The member stands up and has asked a very legitimate question. Forty-five million cubic metres of wood have been damaged this year by the wildfires, and we know that this wood has a shelf life.

I understand from what the minister says that the wood that has been removed — due to whether it’s fencing or fire guards or other things — is flowing to the mill. But when I asked the minister this question during estimates, the minister’s response was that they’re working through a process with the permitting and that no new permits would be issued, actually, this winter. They were trying to issue those permits for the fall and winter of 2018-2019 season.

The question I have is straightforward, to the minister. We’ve heard a lot of words from this minister with regards to the needs for action. A simple question is: how many permits have been issued to allow harvesting of timber this winter from this year’s fire season?

Hon. D. Donaldson: I understand that the member for Nechako Lakes might not understand process because he was only Forests Minister for two weeks. But the process we have here is that…. First of all, a fair stumpage system has to be worked out. We want to make sure that the stumpage that is applied to the wood from the fires….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, we shall hear the response.

Hon. D. Donaldson: The stumpage is a fair stumpage, and that’s what the ministry staff have done. They’ve worked out those rates so that the logs can continue flowing to the mills and that existing licences are being used to ensure salvage logs get to the mills, and the mills are running. I’ve talked to Canfor. I’ve talked to Tolko. The mills are running, and we’re going to make sure that they get the logs that they need.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Nechako Lakes on a supplemental.

J. Rustad: Well, I take that answer from the minister to mean that zero permits have been issued for this year’s harvesting season. It’s unfortunate when you look at the shelf life of this wood and you’ve got an area in the Cariboo that has been impacted by pine beetle and now has been impacted by the wildfires. The loss of that fibre is going to have a significant impact for operations in the Cariboo.

The member for Cariboo-Chilcotin is right in saying that people are worried. People are worried about their jobs. People are worried about their future.

[10:45 a.m.]

Also, it’s important that we get out there and start reforesting these areas that have been impacted. First Nations as well as the people in the area and the mills want to be able to get on with reforestation. But of course, before you do that, you need to remove the timber. If you can’t remove that timber this fall and this winter, obviously, that means it’s a delay in getting to reforestation for that area as well.

With the winter logging season fast approaching and knowing it has a shelf life, will the minister commit to helping these fire-impacted communities? He says that he wants to fast-track and he’s moving forward to expedite these permits. Will he commit to getting permits out the door this winter instead of hiding behind excuses about stumpage rates?

Hon. D. Donaldson: I’m not sure what this member or the previous member doesn’t understand about the answer. Wood is flowing to the mills. Wood that was damaged from the extensive fires we had throughout this season is flowing to the mills. We’ve got stumpage set now. We’ve got exemptions for mule deer winter range being reviewed, and we have salvage logs under the existing licences being provided to mills.

This member talks about the future. Well, under that government, 30,000 direct jobs were lost in forestry over the 16 years.

OIL AND GAS COMMISSION AND
OVERSIGHT OF INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES

S. Furstenau: Today’s theme does seem to be about permits. However, my question is about activities that have been done without permits.

Yesterday, in response to my colleague’s question asking the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources if she thought that the Oil and Gas Commission adequately monitored oil and gas activities in B.C., she said: “There’s no doubt about it.” Well, forgive us, but we have a few doubts — serious doubts, actually — about an agency that has a history of failing to properly regulate industry.

These 51 dams that were built in B.C. without proper inspection, regulation or permitting are just the most recent example of this larger problem. The minister seems concerned about the unauthorized dams but unwilling to challenge the system that allowed them to proliferate in the first place.

To the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, I was concerned that her response yesterday was dismissive of the larger systemic issue we are seeing. The B.C. Liberals made a point of ignoring these issues when they were in office. Does the minister stand by her comments that there is no issue with the way the Oil and Gas Commission is regulating this sector?

Hon. M. Mungall: The Oil and Gas Commission has a long-standing history in this province as an independent, regulatory body. The members of the Green caucus made some accusations that it has a responsibility to promote the sector. I pointed out, if you look at the act, that it absolutely does not. It is purely a regulatory function.

I also let the members know yesterday, as well as writing in a letter that they received that I sent to them on October 24, that it was, in fact, the Oil and Gas Commission as well as the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development that are actually working jointly to address this issue as soon as it came to their attention.

Like I said, it was the Oil and Gas Commission that identified those 51 sites. They are working across ministries to ensure that the situation with those 51 dam sites is indeed dealt with so that nobody is experiencing any environmental harm as a result.

Mr. Speaker: The House Leader for the Third Party on a supplemental.

S. Furstenau: I’m interested that the response from the minister again does not directly address the issue that we are seeing: a regulatory body that isn’t doing its job to regulate. These 51 dams are a symptom.

I’d like to read one quote. “This vast and dispersed network of water-impoundment structures” — these dams — “is likely to have extensive effects on everything from aquifers to ecologically unique and sensitive muskeg systems to water levels in fish-bearing streams and rivers to beaver ponds and wetlands and to fish, animal and plant communities of importance to numerous First Nations.”

[10:50 a.m.]

The question, again to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, is: does she recognize that this is a symptom of a regulatory body that has not been fulfilling its mandate and its duty to ensure regulation of this industry?

Hon. M. Mungall: I think I’ve pointed out on numerous occasions that the Oil and Gas Commission has actually been proactive on this issue. Therefore, that shows that they have been doing their regulatory duty as mandated under the act.

CHILD CARE PLAN AND FUNDING

L. Throness: One of the main planks in the NDP platform was $10-a-day daycare. People voted for it. They had the gall to expect that it would actually be delivered. But the budget update came and went, and there wasn’t one penny more for child care. In fact, the new government adopted the B.C. Liberal budget for child care in its entirety.

Buried deep in the NDP platform, there was a very specific promise on $10-a-day care. They promised to spend $175 million more on child care in the last half of this fiscal year, before March 31. At the very first opportunity, they shattered that promise, along with so many others. Why did the government break its direct and specific promise to spend $175 million more on child care in this fiscal year?

Hon. K. Chen: I would like to thank the opposition member for asking this very important question about child care in B.C. We know how hard it has been for parents in B.C. to find affordable, quality and accessible child care for far too many years. The previous B.C. Liberal government failed to address the child care crisis in B.C. for 16 years.

There are so many parents, child care providers, front-line workers and early childhood educators that I’ve been having meaningful conversations with during the past few months. They have shared with me their frustration that the previous government had not done anything meaningful to address B.C. families’ needs.

That is why I’m so proud to be part of this government that has made a strong commitment to invest in child care. We have already been working…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. K. Chen: …on an implementation plan that will make sure that we bring affordable, quality, accessible and safe child care to B.C. families.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Chilliwack-Kent on a supplemental.

L. Throness: It’s a bit disappointing. After 16 years on this side of the House, I would have expected a shred of idealism on the other side. They had lots of money, but after a few months, it’s only bluster and broken promises.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, we shall hear the question.

L. Throness: The government did not promise $10-a-day daycare immediately, but they did promise the first installment, the first step, of $175 million right now, in this year. But without apology, without explanation, they broke faith, not with the people on this side of the House but with their own voters.

My question to the minister. I’ve compared the NDP platform with the estimates, and something is missing; $175 million is missing. Where’s the money? Parents want to know. Where’s the money?

Hon. K. Chen: I think this is….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Minister, if I may ask you to sit for a moment, please.

Minister.

Hon. K. Chen: I think it is a bit rich to hear the opposition member talking about investing in child care in B.C. when they had 16 years and failed to do anything meaningful. When I have been having conversations with child care providers, local parents…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members. Members, if we may hear the response, please.

[10:55 a.m.]

Hon. K. Chen: …and ECE workers, they are thrilled to see that we finally have a government that is willing to have a meaningful conversation, to talk about implementation of a universal child care plan that will work for all B.C. families.

We are already working on the details of the implementation, and in the coming weeks and months, we’re going to make sure that we put together a plan that will work for B.C. families. It will be ready for the February budget.

Members from the community are very excited to be working together. Actually, just next week we’re going to have an in-person consultation on how we can work together on child care plans in B.C. We are going to make it happen as a reality for B.C. families because, under the previous government, families have been waiting for too long for the services that they deserve.

FUNDING FOR SERVICES TO
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

J. Isaacs: During the recent election campaign, the government made strong promises, stirring promises, about children and families. They would implement the Ed John report, give more supports for Aboriginal children, more for delegated Aboriginal agencies, more for mental health and a promise of $175 million as the first step towards $10-a-day daycare. Yet in this first budget, the government didn’t have a single penny more for the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

How does the Minister of Children and Family Development account for not just one but an entire new series of broken NDP promises — and most of them to Indigenous people?

Hon. K. Conroy: I’d like to thank the member for this question. She wasn’t here, so I’d just like to provide a little history. Under the previous government, the first time the previous government had an opportunity to present a budget in this House, they cut the Ministry of Children and Family by 23 percent. They gutted it. I remember it well because I worked in the sector. I remember talking to parents. I remember meeting with people who weren’t getting services.

Yes, we have work to do. The reason we have work to do is because the members on the opposite side did not do the work, did not engage in the work. We are working with Grand Chief Ed John, with his recommendations, because they need to be implemented.

There is a shameful record in this province. Sixty percent…

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members.

Hon. K. Conroy: …of the children in care are Indigenous. That is absolutely shameful. That is the legacy of the people on that side of the House, and we are working to change it.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain on a supplemental.

CHILD CARE PLAN AND FUNDING

J. Isaacs: Even the NDP’s most passionate supporters are disappointed in this government.

Sharon Gregson of the Coalition of Child Care Advocates was shocked that the budget update in September failed to address one of the biggest platform commitments. “People are asking me if it’s really going to happen,” Gregson said. “People thought they were voting for a $10-a-day plan.”

To the minister, the NDP did not keep their promise to spend $175 million….

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, if we could hear the question, please.

Member, if you could repeat the question, please.

J. Isaacs: The NDP did not keep their promise to spend $175 million in the September budget. Why should the people of B.C. believe that they will keep their promise in the future?

[11:00 a.m.]

Hon. K. Conroy: It’s interesting that the member should raise Sharon Gregson. We just met with her this weekend, and she was a passionate supporter of what this government is doing.

Sharon Gregson, as well as numerous advocates for child care in this province, recognizes that we are going to be implementing one of the most significant social policies that this province has seen in many, many years. Sharon, as well as all the other advocates and parents, knows that in order for us to implement a child care system, a system that is accessible, affordable….

It’s a quality system that is safe so that we don’t have situations like the parents of Baby Mac, who had to sit and suffer through that tragedy because they couldn’t access quality, affordable, accessible child care. They were in a private facility that had no licensing, and they had no idea. That cannot happen again, and we are working to ensure that that will not happen again in this province. We will deliver a safe, affordable, accessible child care system that this province has not had for 16 years.

POTENTIAL CHANGE TO FAMILY DAY
AND IMPACT ON TOURISM INDUSTRY

S. Thomson: A few weeks ago the Premier sent up a trial balloon on officially changing Family Day, a move that isn’t surprising, given his record of acting first and then doing research later. This is what he said: “I’m leaning towards lining up with other provinces across the country.” Then his office put out a statement that said they’re looking to see how quickly they can make this happen.

These comments have sent the tourism industry scrambling to figure out what this means for them. Michael Ballingall, the vice-president of Big White Ski Resort, says: “This is not something the tourism industry will be supportive of…. Fewer British Columbians will be able to travel to tourism destinations.”

My question is to the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the minister responsible for the tourism sector. What was the rationale behind announcing this policy on the radio, and has the minister actually analyzed the implications of what such a change would have on the sector that she is responsible for?

Hon. L. Beare: I thank the member for my first question in the House. But you know what I didn’t hear in that question? A discussion about families and what’s best for them.

Family Day is meant to bring families together from all across this country. When we have children who don’t get to see their parents on Family Day because their parents’ industry doesn’t align with the rest of the country and they’re forced to work, we have children and parents that lose out on quality family time, which was the original intent of the holiday.

Mr. Speaker: The member for Kelowna-Mission on a supplemental.

S. Thomson: It’s very clear, listening to the answers and to the comments yesterday from the members on the discussion on this issue, that no one was really aware of the Premier’s recent radio announcement. Not only were the backbenchers unaware of the Premier’s policy, but even the minister responsible for tourism, an industry that will be hardest hit with this policy, was out of the loop. Mr. Ballingall went on to point out that the minister spent an entire day with the industry and “didn’t say a word about this all day.”

To the minister, who has been silent on the issue up until now, what is her position on changing Family Day? Thousands of tourism operators, over 19,000 businesses in British Columbia, are waiting for an explanation, and 125,000 employees in that sector want an explanation. Has the minister actually analyzed the impacts of this change on the sector that she is responsible for?

[11:05 a.m.]

Hon. L. Beare: I must say that I’m very proud to be part of a government that’s going to put families first and make sure that families are the top priority. When you keep people at the centre of government decision-making and consider the needs of all families across this province, it becomes clear how important it is to ensure that families can take advantage of spending a day together.

If your family owns or works in a business that has customers or ships products or does business with any other jurisdiction outside of B.C., there’s an unnecessary burden put on your family, and you don’t get to spend quality time with them. I’m a mother, and I know how important it is to spend time with my daughter.

Every weekend I spend time in my community, and I hear time and time again the challenges families face in spending quality time together in this current situation. I would like to say that I am proud to be part of a government that puts families and children first.

[End of question period.]

Petitions

S. Furstenau: I have a petition to present to the House.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker: Members, if we may have quiet.

S. Furstenau: Thank you.

I have a petition to present from Mark Edwardson of Mount Douglas Secondary School, who has brought forward a list of names of people who would like the upcoming referendum on proportional representation to be open to 16-year-olds to vote in, as it is their future electoral landscape that is being decided. He has made a very excellent case for how engaged and informed high school students are today.

Tabling Documents

Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members, I have the honour to present the annual report of the Office of the Ombudsperson, 2016-2017.